Meet Robbinsdale Schools' new head of finance

Levies, salaries, bills and other monetary puzzles: Robbinsdale Schools has employed a new chief financial officer. Kristen Hoheisel officially began at Robbinsdale Area Schools Aug. 20.

Ukee Dozier, the former director of finance, was responsible for fiscal operations, payroll and purchasing. Hoheisel now oversees those as well as transportation, facilities and operations. Because of these additional responsibilities, Hoheisel's official title is chief financial officer.

Hoheisel brings more than 25 years of experience, including working in the St. Anthony-New Brighton Schools, and Stillwater Area Public Schools as well as some consulting and interim positions.

Hoheisel described school finance as a puzzle, which is what she loves to solve. Dollars come from many sources, and they have limitations on what they can be used for. Legislation changes the language every few years. The number of students who enroll in the district, the cost of technology, personnel contracts and even severe weather can will impact the budget. Every piece of the puzzle impacts another portion.

"You really have the flexibility of, probably 10-13% of the actual money. ... There isn't as much flexibility as maybe people would think," Hoheisel said.

Hoheisel said she worked briefly for an accounting firm, and although she liked the work, she wanted more of a purpose.

"I firmly believe [in] what I do, and how I can create opportunities, how I can put together that puzzle so our educators can provide those students opportunities, yeah sign me up! That's what it's all about. It's not about somebody's bottom line," she said.

Why Robbinsdale?

"I believe [Robbinsdale is] flush with opportunities. I believe there is a chance to do great work and when I came to interview, the people that were around me and that I've interacted with honestly since that time just reinforced that. I think there's wonderful people wanting to do wonderful things and I am here to try and provide those opportunities and that is very exciting to me."

Last year, District 281 had to cut $17 million from its budget, largely due to COVID-specific funds going away and reduced enrollment.

When asked what to expect from next year's budget, Hoheisel said she didn't yet have a number, however she "would be remiss not to anticipate further cuts. Declining enrollment indicates that revenue will go down. As long as we continue to lose students, we lose revenue."

About 10,000 students are enrolled in the district. In August, the district reported having hired 1,843 staff, which means Robbinsdale Schools is 97% fully staffed.

The district is asking voters to approve a 4.207% tax renewal, which is what voters approved in 2014. The $7 million from this would allow for improved security and technology measures.

Learn more at rdale.org/discover/rdale-2024-capital-projects-levy-referendum .